A nurse is caring for a client who is receiving intravenous fluids. The nurse notes the client's skin around their peripheral IV site is taut and edematous. Which of the following complications is the client experiencing?
Explanation & Rationale
A. Infection: Infection typically presents with redness, warmth, and purulent drainage at the IV site, not taut and edematous skin. Infiltration, however, can cause swelling and taut skin as the fluid is infused into the surrounding tissue rather than the vein. B. Infiltration: Infiltration occurs when the IV fluid or medication leaks into the surrounding tissue. This results in swelling, taut, edematous skin, and sometimes discomfort. It is a common complication when the IV catheter is dislodged or not properly placed. C. Air embolism: An air embolism is a rare but serious complication where air enters the bloodstream. Symptoms include chest pain, shortness of breath, and hypotension, but it does not cause the taut, edematous skin seen with infiltration. D. Phlebitis: Phlebitis involves inflammation of the vein and is typically characterized by redness, warmth, pain, and swelling along the vein, not taut skin around the IV site. It can be caused by irritation from the IV catheter or the fluid being infused not a leak into tissues.